Williamstown’s Jackson Kerr (8) carries the ball behind the blocking of teammate Miles Flanagin (50) during Friday’s game at Wayne. (Photo by Nikki Allen)

WAYNE, W.Va. — The old adage about the tortoise and the hare ends with slow and steady winning the race. It doesn’t hurt when the side going steady also has speed.

Williamstown piled up 500 yards of total offense, including 382 on the ground Friday, as the Yellowjackets used a steady effort to defeat host Wayne 46-26.

The Yellowjackets took off at the end of the first half. Wayne was trailing 16-12 but was driving inside the final four minutes deep in Williamstown territory. However, a Wayne fumble, followed by a quick Yellowjacket touchdown drive, created a 24-12 halftime lead, and provided the separation needed.

“I thought we wore on them a little bit,” Williamstown coach Chris Beck said. “I thought we were physical and the point of attack and finished runs. I was real proud of how we played up front.”

The Jackets mixed the running game, with senior Jackson Kerr rushing for 174 yards and four touchdowns and quarterback Breck Allen adding 116 yards rushing.

Wayne (3-6) got 160 yards on the ground and three scores from Kaiden Hayton. The Pioneers had 200 yards rushing at half, but slowed to 100 more after halftime.

Williamstown (4-5) is trying to make the playoffs for a 26th straight season. The Jackets need a win and help in Week 11.

“The only thing we can control is going out there and winning next week,” Beck said. “What we can control is having a great week of practice and go execute next Friday.”